Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2018-2019 (archived)

Module THMN45230: Mission and Ministry in the Johannine Literature

Department: Theology, Ministry and Mission

THMN45230: Mission and Ministry in the Johannine Literature

Type Open Level 4 Credits 30 Availability Not available in 2018/19 Module Cap None.

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide a systematic and critical study of the Johannine Literature with specific focus on the contemporary significance of the vision these documents present for leadership, ministry, and mission in the life of the church.

Content

  • A general introduction to the genre, origins, theological emphases, purpose, and stylistic features of the Johannine Literature.
  • The influence of John and the Epistles upon contemporary issues in leadership, mission, and ministry.
  • The hypothetical reconstructions of the historical Johannine community.
  • Questions of missional vision and strategy.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • A systematic range and depth of knowledge of the Johannine Literature with the tradition of interpretation within the Christian church including contemporary scholarship which will act as a foundation for teaching and further study.
  • A critical understanding of models of leadership, mission, and ministry demonstrated in John and in the Epistles both in respect of their historical and social contexts and of their place within the Christian tradition.
  • A comprehensive understanding of hermeneutical questions involved in seeking to apply lessons from the Johannine Literature to the contemporary church, thus integrating theology with the practice of ministry.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Upon successful completion of the module students should be able to:
  • Reflect on mission and ministry in complex and unpredictable contexts in a way that demonstrates critical awareness of the biblical (and specifically Johannine) tradition.
  • Plan for the development of leadership, mission, and ministry in complex and unpredictable contexts.
  • Critically engage with the hermeneutical questions necessary in the application of scripture to the contemporary church.
Key Skills:
  • Upon successful completion of the module students should have:
  • Developed their capacity to communicate complex ideas and research findings clearly and effectively both orally and in written format.
  • Developed research based skills and deployed effective autonomous study time and personal management skills.
  • Demonstrated their ability as reflective practitioners.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures provide content, a conceptual framework and a survey of approaches within Old Testament studies and hermeneutics that enable students to locate their learning in a wider context, to make connections with other disciplines, and to evaluate and apply their learning to different contexts.
  • Seminars offer students an opportunity to present, evaluate and apply their knowledge to specific reading contexts, and to engage with teaching staff and peers in debate and reflection.
  • Guided reading in conjunction with lectures and seminars encourages independent learning and underpins the knowledge and understanding gained in lectures and seminars.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 15 Daily (in block format) 1.5 hours 22.5
Seminars 10 Daily .75 hours 7.5
Preparation & Reading - weekly 100
Independent work on assessments 170
Total 300

Summative Assessment

Component: Essay Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Exegetical essay 5000 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

Seminar Presentation on Assigned Scriptural Text


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University